Electrophotographic member and method of producing the member, process cartridge, and electrophotographic image forming apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face challenges in reducing the amount of discharge-generated substances on the photosensitive member surface due to reduced pressure at which the cleaning member is brought into abutment, leading to image smearing and reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
An electrophotographic member with a surface layer containing a crosslinked resin binder and exposed inorganic layered compounds having ion exchange capacity, such as hydrotalcite, to adsorb and diffuse discharge-generated substances effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the pressure at which the cleaning member is brought into abutment with the photosensitive member is reduced or the cleaning member is removed, then energy consumption is reduced, but discharge-generated substances accumulate on the photosensitive member surface causing image smearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a charging member with a surface layer containing inorganic layered compounds (hydrotalcite, montmorillonite, or attapulgite) as an intermediary substance. These compounds physically adsorb discharge-generated substances (nitrogen oxides and organic compounds) before they can adhere to the photosensitive member, thereby preventing image smearing without requiring high cleaning pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the surface properties of the charging member by controlling the elastic modulus of the surface layer to be 200 MPa or more and adjusting the content of inorganic layered compounds (1-40 mass%). These parameter changes enable the surface layer to effectively adsorb discharge-generated substances while maintaining appropriate friction characteristics
2Power
If the pressure at which the cleaning member is brought into abutment with the photosensitive member is reduced or the cleaning member is removed, then torque for rotation is reduced, but removal of residual toner and discharge-generated substances becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The charging member surface layer acts as a mediator that captures discharge-generated substances through physical adsorption. This prevents these substances from accumulating on the photosensitive member, maintaining image quality even when cleaning pressure is reduced or the cleaning member is removed
Solution Approach 2:
By setting the elastic modulus of the surface layer to 200 MPa or more and controlling the inorganic layered compound content within 1-40 mass%, the patent optimizes the charging member's ability to adsorb contaminants while maintaining low torque operation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces the amount of discharge-generated substances on the photosensitive member surface, preventing image smearing and ensuring stable high-quality image formation.
Implementation Method 1
a monolayer surface layer on the substrate, the surface layer having a matrix containing a crosslinked resin as a binder, the surface layer holds at least one particle containing an inorganic layered compound having an ion exchange capacity
Implementation Method 2
an inorganic layered compound having an ion exchange capacity so that at least a part of the at least one particle is exposed from an outer surface of the surface layer
Data Source
AI summary
An electrophotographic member includes an electroconductive substrate bearing a monolayer surface layer formed thereon. The surface layer has a matrix containing a crosslinked resin binder, and holds at least one particle containing an inorganic layered compound that has an ion exchange capacity. At least a portion of the particle is exposed from an outer surface of the surface layer. The matrix has an elastic modulus of at least 200 MPa, measured in a thickness direction of the surface layer from the outer surface to a depth of 0.1 μm.